KDU International Research Conference begins today

The 11th International Research Conference (IRC) of the Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) commenced at the KDU auditorium in Ratmalana, today (13 September). Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Mr. Kapila Waidyaratne, President's Counsel, graced the opening session of the two-day conference as the chief guest, this morning.

The annual International Research Conference of the KDU is being held for the eleventh consecutive year. The conference is a world class forum that brings professionals and researchers of various disciplines to a common platform to disseminate their valuable research findings. This year the conclave is being held on 13 and 14 September under the theme "Securing Professional Excellence through Collaboration". A host of foreign participants are taking part in the conference, this year. More than 600 research papers have also been submitted by scholars from around the world.

Speaking at the event, Secretary Waidyaratne praised the role played by the KDU in providing tertiary education in a disciplined environment. The International Research Conference is a testimony of the significant role played by the KDU in imparting higher education in the country, he added. Praising the role played by the KDU in popularizing research he said that research is essential and a key aspect in a nation's growth.

He further said that the topic of the conference is timely, particularly for countries such as ours in our quest for appropriate development strategies in the face of new global challenges. It is time that all professionals unite and work for the social, economic and cultural development of the country for the sake of the future generations. He also said, that it is our professional responsibility to find opportunities for innovative collaborations to forge ahead. In such initiatives we all must reach excellence in own professional domains and it is in this respect that universities and higher education institutes come play an important role.

The keynote address was made by Prof. Mohan Munasinghe while Dr. Sarath Gunapala made the special guest speech. In recognition of their services in their respective fields of study and expertise, both speakers were awarded with Honourable Professorships by the KDU during the ceremony.

Chancellor of the KDU Admiral (Retd) Daya Sandagiri, Commander of the Navy, Vice Chancellor, senior military officers, members of the diplomatic corps, members of the academic staff, scholars, academics and a large number of participants were also present at the occasion.